Coaching and aiming apparatus for firearbis



Dec. 24, 1929. R. M. BAIR 1,740,561

COACHING AND AIMING APPARATUS FOR FIREARMS Filed y 1928 5 Sheets-Sheet l Attornqy Dec. 24, 1929. R. M. BA'IR COACHING AND AIMING APPARATUS FOR FIREARMS Filed May 1928' a Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Dec. 24, 1929 ROBERT M. BAIR, F I-IUIh IMELSTOWN, PENNSYLVhNIA COACHING AND AIMING APPARATUS FOR FIREARMS Application filed May 4, 1928.

This invention relates to an improved portable apparatus especially designed for use in teaching unskilled persons how to aim and fire pistols, rifles, and other small firearms,

and it is to be hereinafter known as a coaching and aiming apparatus.

The principal purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this class, which is especially suitable for teaching and instructing a pupil, in that it embodies a dual arrangement of firearm supporting devices arranged in close spaced proximity to each other to allow the instructor or coach to demonstrate a close-by pupil in a practicable and 5 cii'icient manner.

What I have endeavored to do is to provide a novel structural organization of parts, cooperating in a manner to produce a complete operative structure which will better fulfill the requirements of this character of work, one which is positive and dependable in action, and which is regarded as a mechanical achievement, having superior properties when compared with the various make-shift appliances, known to meat the present time.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus siowing its position with respect to a manually adjust-able target.

Fig. 2 is a vertical elevational view of the apparatus, showing the particular association of parts more plainly.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through a pistol retention block.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4, looking in a direction from left to right.

Fig. 6 is a cross section taken approximately upon the plane of the line 6-6 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail section taken approximately upon the plane of the line 7-7 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing an especially designed rifle or gun clamping or retention block.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of Fig. 8.

Briefly described, the apparatus comprises a portable stand which may be temporarily or fixedly mounted on the range. Supported At one end, we finl Serial No. 275,135.

on top of this are duplicate firearm supporting devices arranged in close spaced proximity, one for the instructor, and the other one for the pupil. These devices are vertically adjustable in height, turnable about vertical axes to include individual fire arm clamping members, tiltable about horizontal axes in vertical planes to permit accurate aiming at the target.

Referring now to the drawings by numerals, it wi l be observed that the stand coniprises a base bar or equivalent element 10 whose ends 11 are downturned and anchored in the surface as shown in Fig. 2. Extending at right angles from the central portion of the bar 10 is a similar bar 12, whose end 13 is inserted the ground.

Rising from the opposite end portions of the bar 10 are cylindrical posts or uprights lt, connected together at their upper ends by a cross bar 15. It will be noticed that the end portions of the bar 15, extend beyond the posts, and that a brace 16 of suitable con.- struction is connected with the central portion of this bar and with the base bar 12. The outer end portions of the bar 15, are bent down at right angles, and thence inwardly as at 17 to form loop-like guides. These guides are formed with vertically alined openings through which rods 18 pass. The rods are formed at their upper ends with yokes 19, in which firearms or fulcrum blocks or members 20 are fitted.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be observed that each block 20 comprises an elongated metal body having a channel 21 formed in its top to receive the barrel of a pistol or the like 22.

out which extend on opposite sf of the pistol and carry clamping sci u cooperate with the pistol. show At the opposite end ofthe biOCn, arch 25, having a set screw to acco date the muzzle. As shown, the blockis crumed between its ends upon a pivot bolt 27 provided on its threaded end with a finger nut 28, as shown in Fig. i. This allows the entire block to be moved in a vertical plane about the horizontal axes.

The rods 18 are vertically adjustable to openings.

structed bracket including acollar 33 which embraces and is'slidable upon the post 14. This collar is provided with a set screw 34, and cooperates with a stop or shoulder forming ring35, and the ring 35 surrounds the post ust beneath the collar.

The bracket 32 as shown in Fig. 8, includes an upstanding portion 36 which extends up into a recess 37 formed in the center of the bottom of a block-like rifle mounting 38. Here again, I provide a pivot or fulcrum bolt 39. As implied, the block 38 is constructed to accommodate a rifle or similar firearm, 40, the

barrel resting in the specially grooved portion of the block, and stock and barrel being disposed between upstanding lugs 41, and 42 respectively. These lugs are provided with retaining screws 43. The purpose of this arrangement is to render the structure adaptable for teaching the handling of guns, as well aspistols, and the vertical adjustment of this bracket permits it to be arranged to allow the operator to take kneeling or standing position, as required in firing guns of this class.

From the foregoing description and drawings, it will be seen that I have evolved and produced a novel coaching and aiming apparatus for small firearms, which is advantageous especially, in that it allows the in- .structor and pupil to draw the same line of sight on the target 44, the sight lines being represented by the numerals 45 in Fig. '1.

In practice, an assistant is placed at the target line with a movable target, moving the same at the suggestion of the instructor, until the target comes into line of sight on both of the firearms. This sighting is then repeated by the pupil and checked by the instructor. The pupil may also be instructed in the proper position to grip the firearm, and to manipulate the trigger, while the firearm is clamped in perfect aimed position.

had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size, and re-arrangement of parts coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired. V Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is:

1. A coaching and aiming apparatus of the classdescribed comprising a stand including a base, vertical posts rising from the base, a connecting member connected with the upper end of said posts, and extending beyond said posts, the extended portions being formed into loop-like guides, a pair of duplicate gun supporting devices, each comprising a vertically disposed rod mounted in said loop-like guides for vertical adjustment and for turn ing movement about a vertical axis, each rod being provided at its upper end with a yoke, and a pistol clamping block mounted on a horizontal fulcrum in said yoke.

2. A coaching and aiming apparatus of the class described comprising a stand including a base, vertical posts rising from. the base, a connecting member connected with the upper end of said posts, and extending beyond said posts, the extended portions being formed into loop-like guides, a pair of duplicate gun supporting devices, each device comprising a vertically disposed rod mounted in said loop like guides forvertical adjustment and for turning movement about a vertical axis, each rod being provided at its upper end with a yoke, a pistol clamping block mounted on a horizontal fulcrum in said yoke, together with a bracket adjustable'on one post and equipped with a separate firearm clamping and supporting block, the latter being adjustable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis.

In testimony whereof Iafiix my signature.

' ROBERT M. BAIR.

As previously specified, it is thought that 7 this structural device, which is manually adj ustable, is a mechanical achievement in comparison to prior art devices. t is economical, practicable and altogether modern and improved in structure. It permits systematic instruction and teaching, and is regarded as a characteristic advance, as compared to the present-day. make-shift appliances'employed for this purpose.

It'is'thought that by considering the description in connection with the drawing, a clear understanding of the invention will be 

